Inkjet vs Laser Printer

Choosing between an inkjet and a laser printer is the most fundamental printer buying decision. Both technologies have distinct advantages — and understanding which suits your workload can save you hundreds of dollars per year in running costs.

Side-by-Side Specification Comparison

Print Quality

Inkjet printers excel at photo and colour output, producing smooth gradients and accurate colour reproduction. Laser printers produce sharper, crisper text at any font size, making them superior for document-heavy workflows.

Print Speed

Laser printers are significantly faster for mono document printing — 30–40 ppm is common versus 15–22 ppm for inkjets. For colour, the gap narrows, but laser still typically has the edge on sustained workloads.

Running Costs

Laser toner generally costs less per page for mono printing. However, high-yield inkjet systems like EcoTank or MegaTank can match or beat toner economics, especially for colour. Traditional cartridge inkjets are the most expensive per page.

Upfront Cost

Entry-level inkjets start under $100 and occasionally as low as $50. Entry-level laser printers typically start around $130–150 for mono, more for colour. Tank-based inkjets carry a higher initial cost but recover this in running savings.

Which Should You Buy?

If you print mostly documents in black and white: choose a monochrome laser printer. If you print photos or need colour quality: choose an inkjet. If you print high volumes of mixed content: consider a tank-based inkjet for the best overall economics.